>> Friday, March 21, 2014

Thanks for all your enthusiasm about my Aldi posts. I'm feeling really good about finding a less expensive food source for my family. One of the most requested additions to this series has been recipes -- so I thought I'd start posting some of the foods I'm making that use Aldi ingredients entirely.

I make at least two soups/stews a week in the crock pot. One is usually a crazy mix of whatever veggies and beans we have left over. I make it before heading to the grocery store + it helps me get a handle on exactly what I need to put on my list that week. The other is usually something a little more creative or experimental.

Like this lightened-up Cheesy Potato Soup!

CHEESY POTATO SOUP
a lighter, veggie-filled option for this old favorite

What you'll need . . .

3-4 large potatoes (sweet potatoes would work, too!), peeled + cubed

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

10-12 white mushrooms, chopped + stems removed

8 ounces cheese of choice, cubed -- I used mostly Colby-Jack

1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

1-1/2 cups almond milk (or substitute)

4-5 cups water, whatever fills up the pot

Salt and black pepper to taste

I also think smoked paprika would taste great!

Method . . .

Toss all solid ingredients in your crock pot and then pour in the Greek yogurt, almond milk, water, and spices.

Mix to incorporate everything fully, then set on HIGH for about 4 hours. Soup is "done" when potatoes are softened.

Simply let cool a bit and then transfer into your blender (we use a our Ninja) and blend until smooth.

And after you blend . . .

A crockpot full of this soup is enough for a hearty lunch-side for two people all week or at least several good-sized dinners. I love sneaking in extra veggies for both flavor and nutrition -- all on the cheap. To read more of my Aldi posts (which are totally #notsponsored), click here.

I'll be back next week with our favorite Aldi meal -- loaded quesadillas. Don't forget to check out my Whole Wheat Naan recipe + cooking video. And if you have kids, today I wrote some tips for how I keep up with Ada.